Africa regarded as the dark continent in the world is where these apes live ,mostly found in Virunga mountains that cover a great diversity of habitats, from steppes, savannas and lava plains, swamps, lowland and montane forests to volcanoes and the unique giant herbs and snowfields of Rwenzori over 5,000m high.

The Virunga National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1979.The park lies in the western (Albertine) rift valley and on the adjacent mountains. It includes five main biomes: the forested granitic Rwenzori and volcanic Virunga massifs, lowland forest, savanna, and swamp-edged lake.

The Virunga National Park covers and area of 790,000 hectares. It is contiguous for 45km with the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda (99,600ha), also a World Heritage Site, for 50km with the Volcanoes National park in Rwanda (15,000ha) and for a few kilometers with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (2,900ha) in Uganda.

Virunga National Park is found in the western route of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. There is transport from Goma to the park arranged by Virunga National Park management or Various Car rental Companies like Car rental Congo. It is a drive of 3 hours from Kigali to Goma proximate to the border of Democratic republic of Congo. Goma is also accessible from South Western Uganda via Bunagana boarder post where a local visa is obtained at crossing. Besides seeing gorillas in Congo, travelers to Virunga National Park can hike Mount Nyiragongo Volcano and nyamuragira Volcano.

Virunga National Park in Democratic republic of congo is managed by both the authorities of Congolese national park and the institute of Congolais pour la conservation de la Nature (ICCN), the other partner involved is the Africa Conservation Fund.

Gorilla Safaris in Congo

Gorilla trekking safaris are some of the most adventurous Primate safaris you could ever take while in African Countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of congo, The mostly cheapest Gorilla trekking can be done in Virunga National Park in DR Congo as the park offers cheap gorilla permits. Dont miss the chance to view the Mountain Gorillas in Congo with trusted Congo Tour Operators.

Congo gorilla trekking is done in the Virunga National Park which is the home to the mountains gorillas and its having over 6 Gorilla families that are open for tourists viewing with professional rangers from the park, that have been working in the park to ensure conservation of the Mountain Gorillas in Democratic republic of congo.

There are 11 gorilla groups in the Virunga National Park that are a habituated, open to be visited by tourists that select to enjoy gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo Hiking in Congo, Observe the Gorilla trekking rules to ensure sustainability of the Mountain Gorillas in the Famous Virunga Mountains .

Planning a Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour

There are a number of things that need to be considered when planning a gorilla trekking safari to congo , visit the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.

Congo Gorilla Permits

In order to Trek the Mountain gorillas in virunga national park , or the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park you will need to secure the gorilla permit, the cheapest gorilla permits are only sold in democratic republic of congo at the cost of USD 400 during the peak season and the lowland season price is USD 200. In Democratic republic of congo there are over 90 gorilla permit available per day, the smart thing to do is purchase a permit for your desired dates of gorilla trekking early enough either through the safari company or through the park website.

How to buy Gorilla permits Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla permits need to be bought in advance as much as 2 months earlier. In case you are traveling during the high season or in large groups. The earlier you book, the more choices you have of where to trek and where to stay. Late booking might be possible only for Gorilla Permits but Nyiragongo Permits can be over if your last minute travelers to congo for a Safari Holiday, however the availability of gorilla/ nyiragongo permits is not guaranteed.

How Fit Must You Be To Hike the Virunga Mountains for Gorilla Watching?

While you do not need to be sportsman fit to go gorilla trekking in Africa but hiking the virunga mountains requires you to be someone fit to manage the terrains of Virunga National Park to reach the Nyiragongo Crater and Nyamuragira craters. You will be doing quite a bit of walking as you trek the mountain gorillas, you do not want to be too worn out from the trek to enjoy the gorillas when you eventually find them. If you are not quite fit, or used to walking much, a few hill walks would be good exercise for you as you prepare for your congo gorilla safari.

A Mountain gorilla encounter in Virunga

Its only in Virunga National Park of democratic republic of congo where the mountain gorilla trekking experience can last as short as 1 hour and as long as 4 Hours depending on the visitors interest. The gorilla trekking adventure to congo offered by various safari companies are more rewarding as they are cheaper compared to other gorilla safaris to Rwanda and Uganda, Take the amazing gorilla experience when you decide to visit primates in Congo as it can be joined with the chimpanzee tracking near the forest at mikeno lodge

Observe the habituation experience when you come to meet to silverback gorillas in virunga mountains and always look down as it done by Dian fossey,stay calm, quiet, and avoid sudden movements and also avoid making eye contact with the gorillas, it can irritate them into thinking your up for a fight.

If you look a gorilla in the eye, and he begins charging at you, don’t run, stay still and lower your head as a sign of submission. This will show that you do not want a fight.

You will see the gorillas, either feeding, grooming, playing, or just being.

All of those are good photo opportunities so have your cameras ready to snap off shot after shot of amazing gorilla photographs. Do remember to turn off the flash lights and camera sounds.

After your one hour experience with the gorillas, it will be time to head back to the park, and back to your hotel.